Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for many, many of HaShem's blessing this week. I am constantly amazed how I can feel so blessed when nothing the world considers a blessing has occurred, even when disaster comes (worldly and personal disaster), even when I feel like the world is crumbling down, when I've failed. The peace that comes with abiding in the Lord is unmatched, and even to have experienced once is enough blessing for a lifetime. And He wants us to abide in him for eternity? That is almost unfathomable.

I am thankful for the friends I have, the ones who share my beliefs and the ones who question it out of love. Edifying conversations, heartfelt words, and a little healthy debate will always be met with appreciation. I am so tired of arguing for argument's sake, with comments doused with pride, which result only in anger. For my friends who care enough to ask, to question and then to listen, I thank you.

I am thankful for my husband, who is different than me in every conceivable way, who challenges me on a daily basis to be a better mom, wife and woman. I am thankful for my boys, who inspire me to be that mom, who taught me about love, and who are absolutely a blessing from my Father :)

I am thankful for my renewed crafting passion. I love yarn. I love fibers. I want to own sheep. I haven't felt this rejuvenated in a long time, PTL!

It has been a crazy week, perhaps more in my mind than in my house, but realizing (again) you've mixed up your priorities and feeling convicted to change things is never a fun process. But, YehHowWey is good, and He is full of grace. For that I am truly thankful!

this week, by subject

Wanna know what we have planned for this week at school???

SUBJECTS WE DO TOGETHER:

Torah Explorers for this week's portion: "Korah" קורח {Numbers 16:1-18:32, 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22, John 9-12}
--I have been so enjoying studying Scripture this way. Each week we read a "portion" comprised of the Torah ("Law"), Haftorah ("Prophets") & Brit Chadasha ("ReNEWed Testament"). Torah Explorers is exactly what it claims to be: "A Torah Study Guide for the Young & Young at Heart". Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the sheer amount of information in certain chapters (sometimes books) in the Old Testament, and spent much of my initial devotional time focused on "easier" (*teehee, yeah right!) to understand chapters in the Renewed Testament. Torah Explorers has been a crucial guidemap to making sense of it, and oh the treasures contained within!!!! I always thought the Bible contained tons of information, but every week I am so in awe of the blessings of wisdom it contains. It all weaves together in an awesome and unparalleled way! Even the boys are picking up pearls of wisdom and making connections. :D

Hebrew alphabet & days of the week

This Country of Ours {US History} audio & text

CHRISTIAN:

Writing Strands
Singapore Math
Vocabulary
Number the Stars {independent reading}
--My brother's copy {which was originally mine from 4th grade, but then he wrote his name on it ;P} I remember this book having a stringent impact on me as a young girl. I think dear Christian would be more interested in it if the protagonist was a girl, but I look forward to the discussions...

KEEGAN:
Writing Strands
Singapore Math
The Giggler Treatment
--I chose this one for Keegan, but it a far lighter book than Christian's. He's never been too big on chapter books, so I am trying to ease him into them by appealing to his comic side. I'll let you know how it goes...

As always, this is not a hard and fast plan. I try to stay away from those, as I want to keep open to YHVH, who often has other ideas for me. I do think it is important to have an outline, at least it is for me, so that I do not flit around from one thing to another, and so I have a reference point when I get off track.

May you have a blessed week. . .

The Homeschool Pantry

I am not an adventurous cook, in fact it is only lately that YHVH has blessed me with the excitement and motivation to cook. I am slowly learning "the basics". It is the same way with my homeschooling. While I love to incorporate unexpected things into our lessons, I still need to have a good foundation in the unlikely {*wink wink} event I am feeling less creative or less enthusiastic one day.

In any good cookbook, you will find a suggested pantry list. I love looking at these, collecting said items and finding that I can make practically anything just out of my pantry. When I am stocked up, I find I spend less at the grocery store and go less often, and I have less of an desire to impulsively buy items. You can do this with your homeschool supplies as well. And, halleluYAH, often items can serve dual purposes for baking and learning :D

picture from City Kids Homeschooling {because her pantry is far neater than mine}




FLOUR
Uses: pastes, playdoh, paper mache', baking galore

BAKING SODA- As natural deodorizer, mild abrasive and leavening agent, baking soda is vital to any household and can be used in substitution for many pricier items. I have sprinkled baking soda on the carpet to take away odors, used it to scrub my counters, and included it in most baked goods I've made. My husband uses it to help indigestion. He simply eats a spoonful, but, when added to vinegar, it works like Alka Seltzer. Check here for more detailed instructions. And, an added plus, like many other products listed on this list, it is C-H-E-A-P!

My best friend shared with me a wonderful way to remember the use for baking soda as opposed baking powder. The difference is that "Soda spreads, powder puffs."

Kitchen Crafts 'n More lists about forty uses for baking soda ranging from beauty & bath to cleaning to health.

OLIVE OIL
Uses: lubricates anything, science projects, arts & crafts

VINEGAR
Uses: science experiments, cleaning (it is a natural disinfectant)

EGGS
Uses: the uses for the cartons are endless. . .

BEANS
Uses: math, sorting, music (think shakers), science (remember the bean in the paper towel?),

KOOL-AID
Uses: dying clothing, dying play-doh/homemade clay, various edible opportunities

SOAP ~ liquid and bar
I'd suggest Dawn--it has the best degreaser and makes good bubbles.
Uses {bar}: whittling, science
Uses {liquid}: cleaning grease out of anything, bubbles

ALUMINUM FOIL
Uses: art projects, science (electricity conductor)

POTATOES
Uses: stampmaking, garden experiments, and tons of other ideas here and here

That's all I have for now, but my list keeps growing.
What do you stock in your homeschool pantry???